CJ Favre | Overlook Lisiji Portuguese Water Dogs

Interview with CJ Favre, Breeder of Overlook Lisiji Portuguese Water Dogs

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

CJ Favre

1. I want to thank my wife, Lisa, for getting me acquainted with dogs. Lisa and I live in Cumming, Georgia, a fast-growing community north of Atlanta. Lisa got me involved with Obedience in 1976 when she took her German Shepherd Dog to the Montgomery AL Dog Obedience Club for Obedience classes. We got involved in Conformation when we went to dog shows for Obedience Trials. My first Obedience dog was an Irish Terrier.

At the dog shows, we would watch Conformation judging and noticed the Kerry Blue Terrier. Our first show dogs were a Kerry Blue and an Irish Terrier. The Irish Terrier interest did not last long. Later on, we would breed Kerry Blues under the kennel name LISIJI. We have produced BIS and Specialty-winning Kerry Blue Terriers.

While working as an Air Traffic Controller, Lisa and I got very active in dog shows and Obedience. With our Kerry Blues, we competed in Obedience and Conformation. In 1981, I went on strike as an Air Traffic Controller and was fired by President Reagan.

At that point, a friend, Eddie Knight, Lisa, and I started a dog business. Having learned to groom Kerry Blue Terriers and Irish Terriers, and having worked in Obedience and dealing with confidence in the Conformation ring, we started the Canine Specialist business with Eddie.

After a few years of dedication and help from a great dog family, I was able to do well in our business. Portuguese Water Dog people and other trimmed breeds approached me about trimming and showing their dogs. My first Water Dog client was Bob and Barbara Burgess of Caravel Kennels. I was very impressed with the trainability of this breed. In my travels, I met great Portuguese Water Dog breeders, Colville and Ann Jackson of Ferncliff Portuguese Water Dogs. I learned a great deal about this breed from Colville.

I co-breed Portuguese Water Dogs with Marilu Novy. Our breeding kennel name is Overlook Lisiji. We have bred numerous Conformation champions, Group winners, working-titled dogs, a platinum Grand Champion, and two Top Twenty People’s Choice winners. Our current champion being campaigned has an all-breed BIS and a Reserve BIS. So much for where I am today with our breeding program; now, how I feel about this great breed and dog shows.

2. As breeders, Marilu and my concern is placing our puppies in good homes. I evaluate our litters at 7-8 weeks of age. We evaluate the litter from the aspect of conformation and temperament. Without proper structure and attitude the dog will be hindered in its ability to functionally do its job. When the puppies are young, we check their desire to be in water with a baby pool and put objects on the bottom to see their desire to dive for the toy. As for selecting the puppy for show or performance, that depends on the home placement.

3. Having gone to Water Trials and watched this breed in performance events, the breed is very intelligent and strong. Watching the breed in these events, you will understand the need for the dog to be robust.

In the Conformation ring, I see problems in the breed. I see dogs with temperament issues not being penalized. Judges will award a dog that is more refined than the Breed Standard calls for. A dog lacking in substance could never work on the type of fishing boats used in the ocean (functionality).

4. I do grooming area set-ups and monitoring for numerous clubs in our area. Many people complain about the number of shows held throughout the country. Dog shows are the best venue we can offer the public to promote purebred dogs. Our dog community does not have local access to TV to promote breeders or purebred dogs. In many areas of the country, the local governments are trying to write ordinances that are a detriment to dog ownership and to the purebred dog. We must stay vigilant concerning local legislation and be willing to speak up at all public forums.

5. One of the best tools you can use to promote purebred dogs is social media. However, as far as social media and dog shows, that is a different story. The purebred dog discussions on social media are a great asset for promoting our issues. The use of social media to complain about exhibitors, judges, and being negative about dog shows in general does not help anyone.

6. Being one who helps put on dog shows in my area, the largest problem I see for the future of dog shows is the lack of interest in the young exhibitors and professionals wanting to learn about setting up a show or being involved in their local club. I haven’t noticed a change in dog shows, per say. There just needs to be more interest in helping.

I wish to thank SHOWSIGHT for the opportunity to discuss items dear to me—my dogs and assisting with putting on dog shows.